W.I.S.H. Women Inspiring Strength and Hope) Society Honoree Turns Tragedy in to Hope

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Aug. 19, 2013 - PRLog -- Heartbreak leads to hope and charity for Charlotte resident Julianna Patterson. As a W.I.S.H. (Women Inspiring Strength and Hope) Society Honoree, Julianna sees the opportunity to give back to children in her community as a way to honor her boyfriend’s passing and begin the healing process. “By being an honoree, I can help these children and their families make a wonderful memory, which is one of the most amazing gifts you can give someone, an unforgettable moment. Being an honoree is not only humbling, but a healing experience.”Jason Leffler passed away on June 12, 2013 from injuries sustained in a 410 sprint car race (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprint_car_racing) at Bridgeport Speedway in Bridgeport, New Jersey (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgeport,_New_Jersey) 

The inaugural W.I.S.H. Society program will honor 30 women and grant 30 wishes of children battling incredible odds in our community. The women being honored were chosen for their career success, their significant contributions to the community and their personal passion and commitment to Make-A-Wish. Honorees are asked to raise $6,000, the average cost of a wish.  The  woman that raises the most, exceeding their goal to fund one wish, will be the “W.I.S.H. Society Woman of the Year”.

The program culminates with the Honoree Luncheon on November 5, 2013 hosted by Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, the exclusive host sponsor of the event. The W.I.S.H. Society is a unique opportunity for women to not only network with other incredible individuals but to inspire women in our community to make a difference in the lives of local children who have been diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich their lives with hope, strength and joy at a time when they need it most.  Attendance to the event is not limited to just honorees. Members of the community looking to be inspired, empowered or just want to network with like-minded women, are invited to attend this very special event.

Over the 30-year history of Make-A-Wish, it has been discovered that the benefits of granting a wish extend well beyond the initial event. A wish come true helps children feel stronger, more energetic, more willing and able to battle their life-threatening medical conditions.  For many of them, it marks a turning point in their fight.  For their doctors, nurses and other health professionals, the wish experience works in concert with medicine to make their patients feel better, emotionally and even physically.   

To learn more about the W.I.S.H. Society, purchase a ticket for the luncheon or make a donation, please contact Stephanie Leeper at (704) 339-0334, x226, or sleeper@ncwish.org. Nominations for outstanding women are still being accepted until September 10. Instructions on the nomination process can be found on the website. 

For more information, please contact Stephanie Leeper at (704) 339-0334, x226, or sleeper@ncwish.org.

Make-A-Wish® Central and Western North Carolina grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Since its inception in 1985, more than 3,000 local children have experienced a wish come true.